Crocheted Lopapeysa: How-To

I have been living in Iceland since May 2020 and knew it would only be a matter of time before I would have to fully assimilate and make my own lopapeysa. However, I refuse to knit, so I converted one to crochet!

I used this pattern by Védís Jónsdóttir. It is available for free and you will need to download it in order to make use of this guide.

Materials

• 3.5 mm hook*

• 4 mm hook*

• Yarns as specified in the original pattern

• Scissors,

• Tape measure

• Yarn needle

• Stitch markers

*If you need a different hook size to obtain the gauge, have one hook that obtained the gauge and then another hook .5 mm smaller

Stitches (US terms)

• Chain (ch)

• Slip stitch (slst)

• Single crochet (sc)

• Single crochet decrease (dec)

• Front/Back post half double crochet (fphdc/bphdc)

Gauge

14 rows and 19 sts of sc = 10 cm x 10 cm (4" x 4")

Instructions

When "patt" is worked, using larger hook: ch 1, turn, sc along, join to first st with slst. This also goes for the colourwork sections.

The depictions of decreases on the diagrams are also applicable to crochet.

Bottom ribbing

Where the original pattern says to cast on, chain the same amount, join with a slst (making sure not to twist it) ch 1, turn, then sc along, join to first st with slst.

For the ribbing, use smaller hook:

Repeat until band is as thick as required: Ch 1, turn, (fphdc, bphdc) along, join to first st with slst.

These rules apply for the body as well as the sleeves

Yoke

The stitches that are placed on a stitch holder in the original apttern are simply to be left unworked in crochet: this will leave holes in the underarms, which you will whip stitch orslip stitch together when the sweater is complete.

Neckband

(sc, dec) around with smaller hook for the first row.

Switch to larger hook, work as for ribbing, but stop at 1/3 of the length the pattern suggests (as crochet is tighter than knitting for this, and you will not be able to fit your head through if you follow this part to the letter.

Did you know, the Icelandic word for sweater peysa, comes from the French word paysan, meaning peasant or farmer?

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